Steering issue for Savage x4.6

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Zane Lewis

Active Member
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Hey, I got a Savage x4.6 that won’t steer while driving, but it will steer while off the ground. I’m new to this truck and can’t seem to find the Servo saver spring to see if it needs adjusting.7133
 
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On that one you have there the spring is actually probably inside that big round looking servo horn. Might be worn out. Your servo may also be worn out. Just turn the truck on and hold the front wheels with one hand and steer with the other, and see what part is slipping, or giving way
 
upbasher1 said:
On that one you have there the spring is actually probably inside that big round looking servo horn. Might be worn out. Your servo may also be worn out. Just turn the truck on and hold the front wheels with one hand and steer with the other, and see what part is slipping, or giving way
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Ok I’ll look into it. Thanks
 
This is what I’m working with. The steering is perfect when off the ground,but on the ground it’s not too good.
 
Zane Lewis said:
This is what I’m working with. The steering is perfect when off the ground,but on the ground it’s not too good.
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Looks like a combination of a stock servo and a weak servo saver spring, you can get around that by installing the later steering system and a better servo, for servos I have been using powerhd servos lately and they are great... one final question is are you still using the 4 cell battery holder that came stock, if so consider upgrading to a 5 cell rechargable hump pack they have a bit more voltage and will add some power to your servos


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Power-HD-L...535598&hash=item5460ceafe3:g:t0sAAOSw~AhbXu3z


https://www.ebay.com/itm/HPI85058-H...319028&hash=item1c7b26bbf4:g:JgYAAOSwO7dcAWp-


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Tenergy-5-...dUAAOSwYIxX~S77:sc:USPSFirstClass!95422!US!-1
 
Jam Racing 1 said:
Looks like a combination of a stock servo and a weak servo saver spring, you can get around that by installing the later steering system and a better servo, for servos I have been using powerhd servos lately and they are great... one final question is are you still using the 4 cell battery holder that came stock, if so consider upgrading to a 5 cell rechargable hump pack they have a bit more voltage and will add some power to your servos


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Power-HD-L...535598&hash=item5460ceafe3:g:t0sAAOSw~AhbXu3z


https://www.ebay.com/itm/HPI85058-H...319028&hash=item1c7b26bbf4:g:JgYAAOSwO7dcAWp-


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Tenergy-5-...dUAAOSwYIxX~S77:sc:USPSFirstClass!95422!US!-1
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If it was to be the servo spring how would I get to it to tighten it? I’ve taken it apart this morning and couldn’t find it. No I’m not using the stock battery. I’m using a 1600 duratrax 6v hump back battery. It steers good driving ,but isn’t great
 
Zane Lewis said:
If it was to be the servo spring how would I get to it to tighten it? I’ve taken it apart this morning and couldn’t find it. No I’m not using the stock battery. I’m using a 1600 duratrax 6v hump back battery. It steers good driving ,but isn’t great
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That diagram above gives a good view of that servo saver and how to take it apart.... you can tighten up the spring coil by closing down the gap and installing it back into the housing then reinstalling it on the vehicle.....
 
I can’t find the spring that’s the problem. I know where the Servo is located I just don’t understand I’ll send you a pic of what I’m trying to say and then you can tell me from there.
 
Jam Racing 1 said:
That diagram above gives a good view of that servo saver and how to take it apart.... you can tighten up the spring coil by closing down the gap and installing it back into the housing then reinstalling it on the vehicle.....
Click to expand...
So would it be this? If so would I have to tighten/ loosen? I’ve never had this truck before I’m new to the savage sorry for all the trouble
 

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the spring is located in the round black object attached to the servo output splines, take off the linkage and remove the screw in the middle of the round saver you may have to wiggle it off the splines, (make a note or take a pic of where the linkage is when the wheels are centered so you can reinstall in the same position) and put it on the bench where you can take it apart.....
 
Jam Racing 1 said:
the spring is located in the round black object attached to the servo output splines, take off the linkage and remove the screw in the middle of the round saver you may have to wiggle it off the splines, (make a note or take a pic of where the linkage is when the wheels are centered so you can reinstall in the same position) and put it on the bench where you can take it apart.....
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Ok. Thanks
 
@Zane Lewis If you have the HPI Controller there is an adjustment that slows down/ speeds up the steering responce, you might look for that adjustment before tearing into truck See attached , Its labeled as STEERING DUAL RATE or DUAL RATE on other brands of controllers.... See at top center of page .
 

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ELWOOD said:
@Zane Lewis If you have the HPI Controller there is an adjustment that slows down/ speeds up the steering responce, you might look for that adjustment before tearing into truck See attached , Its labeled as STEERING DUAL RATE or DUAL RATE on other brands of controllers.... See at top center of page .
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Yeah I’ve had it to the dual rate, still may just be the spring in the truck. I’m going to just leave it as is because I’m confused on what to do these trucks are a pain!
 
ELWOOD said:
@Zane Lewis If you have the HPI Controller there is an adjustment that slows down/ speeds up the steering responce, you might look for that adjustment before tearing into truck See attached , Its labeled as STEERING DUAL RATE or DUAL RATE on other brands of controllers.... See at top center of page .
Click to expand...
Would The spring be in the horn?
 

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ELWOOD said:
NOTHING GOOD IS EASY....
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I’ve never had a nitro car before and I just got this used on eBay about a week ago. So I don’t know what I’m dealing with I just don’t wanna take apart anything and won’t know how to put it back on. I need some help! I don’t understand what the items mean on the truck because the seller didn’t have a manual so I have to go online and look at parts. I just hope someone can help me the best they can.
 
You can find the manuals online right at this forum, https://www.hpisavageforum.com/forums/hpi-savage/ they are stickied at the top of the forum pages you are looking for

There are SEVERAL Iterations of the savage platform and the one you have looks to be an early 25 model with some owner alterations, Most all the parts interchange between the nitro models so that is a help....
Like I said above the combination of weak servo the sf2 was never a powerhouse, simply adequate for the job and a poor servo saver design are to blame for the steering, but you are in luck because with a bit of wrenching and some parts you can get away from the crappy servo saver and install the steering system off a later model...

Don't be afraid of taking things apart, you will need a few tools to make it easier, a good set of Hex Drivers available online or at any decent hobby store, a good number 2 phillips screwdriver, I have used a 4 way screwdriver with good success and it has all the sizes in 1 handle..

if you get in trouble the guys here are a good bunch and can help you get thru any of the bumpy spots

https://www.hpisavageforum.com/threads/the-complete-beginners-guide-to-rcs.814/

https://www.hpisavageforum.com/threads/hpi-savage-25-manual-and-parts-listing.14274/

https://www.hpisavageforum.com/threads/list-of-useful-nitro-engine-threads.13941/

Lots of reading and rereading , but those things I linked will help you get started.......
 
Jam Racing 1 said:
You can find the manuals online right at this forum, https://www.hpisavageforum.com/forums/hpi-savage/ they are stickied at the top of the forum pages you are looking for

There are SEVERAL Iterations of the savage platform and the one you have looks to be an early 25 model with some owner alterations, Most all the parts interchange between the nitro models so that is a help....
Like I said above the combination of weak servo the sf2 was never a powerhouse, simply adequate for the job and a poor servo saver design are to blame for the steering, but you are in luck because with a bit of wrenching and some parts you can get away from the crappy servo saver and install the steering system off a later model...

Don't be afraid of taking things apart, you will need a few tools to make it easier, a good set of Hex Drivers available online or at any decent hobby store, a good number 2 phillips screwdriver, I have used a 4 way screwdriver with good success and it has all the sizes in 1 handle..

if you get in trouble the guys here are a good bunch and can help you get thru any of the bumpy spots

https://www.hpisavageforum.com/threads/the-complete-beginners-guide-to-rcs.814/

https://www.hpisavageforum.com/threads/hpi-savage-25-manual-and-parts-listing.14274/

https://www.hpisavageforum.com/threads/list-of-useful-nitro-engine-threads.13941/

Lots of reading and rereading , but those things I linked will help you get started.......
Click to expand...
Thank you for all of your help!
 
These trucks are a huge learning experience. There is a lot of stuff to know how to do, and sometimes they CAN be a lot of work and a real pain. BUT they are very rewarding if you put some time and effort into them. don't give up on it :)
Savages are very easy to work/learn on so you have a great start
 
Zane Lewis said:
So would I have to replace that whole thing?
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Before replacing it you should verify it is indeed the problem. Turn the truck and radio on and flip the truck upside down. Hold the front wheels with one hand and steer the controller with the other. If the servo is moving (You will hear it) but that round servo horn isn't, then you have isolated it as the problem. Now on the other hand, if you do this and the servo itself fails or struggles to move at all when you hold the wheels, then the servo is weak/dying OR you have a bad/low reciever battery not pumping out enough voltage
 
Also its worth noting that even as it is in your video, the truck will most likely still drive and steer fine. While moving forward its a lot easier for the servo to turn the wheels, and you might find its not an issue at all. I have driven savages many hours just like that with no problems turning.
 
upbasher1 said:
Before replacing it you should verify it is indeed the problem. Turn the truck and radio on and flip the truck upside down. Hold the front wheels with one hand and steer the controller with the other. If the servo is moving (You will hear it) but that round servo horn isn't, then you have isolated it as the problem. Now on the other hand, if you do this and the servo itself fails or struggles to move at all when you hold the wheels, then the servo is weak/dying OR you have a bad/low reciever battery not pumping out enough voltage
Click to expand...
 
Yeah
upbasher1 said:
Also its worth noting that even as it is in your video, the truck will most likely still drive and steer fine. While moving forward its a lot easier for the servo to turn the wheels, and you might find its not an issue at all. I have driven savages many hours just like that with no problems turning.
Click to expand...
Yeah turns good , but just thought it would turn as good when it’s off the ground.
 
you have to hold a wheel so its a struggle for it to turn it, just like how it is when its on the ground. Otherwise you wont be able to see what the issue is
 
Zane Lewis said:
So would I have to replace that whole thing?
Click to expand...


I have to ask before we get too far into this, Do you have any mechanical experience at all??
if not the learning curve is pretty steep but with a bit of time and the right tools and a desire to fix this rig yourself it will get easier as you go along... are there any local hobby shops around your area? they can be a valuable resource and you can hook up with other hobbists that may be willing to help you with advice and knowledge...
like I said earlier nothing on this is really difficult and the savage is actually one of the easiest rigs to work on out there, one thing I would suggest is a good cleaning of the rig so you can see what you are doing when working on it, I couple old 1" paintbrushes and an old toothbrush can make short work of basic cleaning an air compressor can also help blow away some of the grime, for deep cleaning get some denatured alcohol and a spray bottle and it will help remove stuck on grime like fuel residues and just plain grime from running....
 
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